Stories and training create new support networks

Some may think that the combination of a Landcare Network and a Local Health Advisory Committee to deliver mental health and resilience training is an unusual alliance. But for Advisory Group Secretary, Mandy Locke, and Coordinator of the Holbrook Landcare Network, Rachael Daniel, it was a natural extension of the interconnectedness of their small community.

Both had noticed mental health concerns emerging from surveys and conversations and the ongoing “green drought” (where there is limited feed for stock but concerns about ongoing water availability), which had taken its toll as season after season continued to fail.

Rather than work on their own, they joined forces to raise the funds to bring The Resilience Guys – Blind and Legless – to town.

In all, more than 600 people from Holbrook and surrounding communities took part in four resilience events over two days, building skills and community connection to be more prepared for the devastating mental health impacts of ongoing uncertainty and drought. These included two school workshops and separate men’s and women’s community nights.

Supported by a $13,125 FRRR grant, all four events were facilitated by The Resilience Guys, Mike Rolls and Ben Pettingill – otherwise known as Legless and Blind. Mike overcome multiple amputations after contracting meningococcal at the age of 18, while Ben lost his sight at 16 because of a rare genetic syndrome. They now travel around the country to help build resilience, sharing their stories of navigating life crises in their teens and how adversity can be turned into purpose and fulfilment.

Mandy says their presentations to a variety of age groups, were incredibly powerful, breaking down long-standing stigma around talking about mental health.

“The president of the footy club said to me afterwards that three people came up to him at the bar and said, `yeah, I have sometimes contemplated suicide’. That was brought out a lot,” Mandy said.

“I’m proud that we’ve encouraged people and given people the confidence to talk. That’s probably the big one for me, especially the men, because I have found over the years it can be banging your head against a brick wall to get through to them. You have certain personalities that will talk and others that won’t, but at least they are now.”

With health professionals, such as local paramedic Jeff Moat, also speaking at the events, people became more aware of local support services, how to recognise medical emergencies and how to access help.

Rachael found Ben and Mike’s frank, yet engaging delivery was perfect for combatting the mental health challenges they faced day after day, as drought conditions took hold.

“Our community has been through so much in that we had bush fires, we’d had drought, we’d had COVID and then drought. So, it’s just ongoing. And the fact is that we have started that conversation and it’s not so taboo anymore,” Rachael said.

“It’s a game changer. It’s been a great platform and a benchmark for our community to have the events that we did. And even though we are still experiencing suicides and dreadful events like that happening, it’s more out there now.

“And so, in our little way, we empowered all these other people and they’re just going gangbusters. I’m so proud to see them take on these leadership roles and having the confidence in the community to do that.

“And I’ve got a very good new friend.”